Fluctuating water pressure; pressure tank?
#1
01-05-07, 08:21 AM
Fluctuating water pressure; pressure tank?
Basic set-up info:
Water source is a spring. Foot valve is suspended in water (varying depth depending on time of year) inside a 5' diameter pipe which is surrounded by drainrock. 1/2 HP pump and pressure tank are located at spring. Water travels up-hill approximately 30 yards to the house where it enters a filter system then is fed to the rest of the house.
History:
Previous pump burned out this summer. Pump was replaced and everything seemed to be okay. A few weeks later, one of the new PVC fittings splt and had to be replaced. That was done with a minimum of difficulty. Except, since then, the water pressure in the house fluctuates wildly. When I first turn on any water (whether sink, shower, washing machine, whatever), pressure is normal. Within a couple minutes, pressure is down to a tiny trickle. I haven't timed it exactly, but it appears to be about 7 or 8 minutes before the pressure will suddenly come back on. The system will cough air periodically. Usually, when the pressure comes back (which makes sense) but sometimes also when I first turn water on (which makes less sense, unless it's left over from the last time I used water?)
The fluctuating pressure is far less noticeable on the outside hoses than in the house. Hoses are fed from a line that is goes out AFTER the house is fed, which makes me wonder if maybe I just haven't noticed it as much with the hoses since I don't normally stand and watch them.
I've checked for water leaks as much as possible (ie, thoroughly under and in the house; not so much where the line is buried though there's no sign in the vegetation that there's extra water available in a spot) and have not seen any sign. I spent an hour hanging out down in the pump house and the pump never kicked on.
Suggestions? ('cause I'm getting really tired of 2 minute showers!)
Water source is a spring. Foot valve is suspended in water (varying depth depending on time of year) inside a 5' diameter pipe which is surrounded by drainrock. 1/2 HP pump and pressure tank are located at spring. Water travels up-hill approximately 30 yards to the house where it enters a filter system then is fed to the rest of the house.
History:
Previous pump burned out this summer. Pump was replaced and everything seemed to be okay. A few weeks later, one of the new PVC fittings splt and had to be replaced. That was done with a minimum of difficulty. Except, since then, the water pressure in the house fluctuates wildly. When I first turn on any water (whether sink, shower, washing machine, whatever), pressure is normal. Within a couple minutes, pressure is down to a tiny trickle. I haven't timed it exactly, but it appears to be about 7 or 8 minutes before the pressure will suddenly come back on. The system will cough air periodically. Usually, when the pressure comes back (which makes sense) but sometimes also when I first turn water on (which makes less sense, unless it's left over from the last time I used water?)
The fluctuating pressure is far less noticeable on the outside hoses than in the house. Hoses are fed from a line that is goes out AFTER the house is fed, which makes me wonder if maybe I just haven't noticed it as much with the hoses since I don't normally stand and watch them.
I've checked for water leaks as much as possible (ie, thoroughly under and in the house; not so much where the line is buried though there's no sign in the vegetation that there's extra water available in a spot) and have not seen any sign. I spent an hour hanging out down in the pump house and the pump never kicked on.
Suggestions? ('cause I'm getting really tired of 2 minute showers!)
#2
01-05-07, 09:36 AM
You need to go to the pump when water is being used. Note at what pressure the pumps starts up, how lng does it run. Is it rapidly going on/off.
It could be a clogged pressure switch line preventing he switch from sensing the pressure. it be a bladder tank with the wrong pressure in the bladder.
It could be a clogged pressure switch line preventing he switch from sensing the pressure. it be a bladder tank with the wrong pressure in the bladder.
#3
01-05-07, 12:23 PM
If the pump was turning on & off rapidly, shouldn't the pressure at the house fluctuate rapidly as well? I've tried running water down at pump house and watched the pressure gauge that's at the pump and the pump seems to kick and and off when it's supposed to.
Are you talking about a clogged pressure switch line on the pressure tank, or the pump?
Thanks for the input!
Are you talking about a clogged pressure switch line on the pressure tank, or the pump?
Thanks for the input!
#4
01-05-07, 02:11 PM
KW,
that pump turning on and off will cause the pressure in the house to fluctuate. The reason why you don't notice it as much on the outside is because your running more water at a flow that is closer to what the pump wants to discharge. Your problem is probably at your tank. If the tank isn't getting enough storage the extra water that the pump wants to displace has no place to go and thats why it builds pressure at a rapid rate. I would check your tank and make sure it isn't water logged.
HYDRO
that pump turning on and off will cause the pressure in the house to fluctuate. The reason why you don't notice it as much on the outside is because your running more water at a flow that is closer to what the pump wants to discharge. Your problem is probably at your tank. If the tank isn't getting enough storage the extra water that the pump wants to displace has no place to go and thats why it builds pressure at a rapid rate. I would check your tank and make sure it isn't water logged.
HYDRO
